2027: Jime, Tiza, Atu Alliance With Akume Threatens Nobody, Says Tsar

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State and candidate for the Jechira Federal Constituency, Dr. Engr. Livinus Adzer Tsar, has dismissed the political alliance between Barrister Emmanuel Jime, Hon. Tiza Imojime and Hon. Joseph Terver Atu with Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, saying the bloc poses no political threat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tsar, a key ally of Governor Hyacinth Alia, told LEADERSHIP that the alliance lacks the grassroots structure and influence required to challenge the governor’s dominance within the APC in Benue State.

He maintained that Governor Alia remains firmly in control of the party structure in the state and continues to enjoy strong support at the grassroots level.

Commenting on former Commissioner for Works, Hon. Tiza Imojime, Tsar alleged that the politician failed to build and sustain a strong political base despite previously holding public office.

According to him, Imojime lost political relevance due to what he described as a disconnect from his constituency.

“Tiza believed political tickets could be handed to him from above, but Governor Alia insisted that anyone seeking elective office must return to the people. Politics is local, and that is why he lost.

“He was not on the ground and did not participate in the grassroots mobilisation that produced the party’s electoral strength,” Tsar said.

On Hon. Joseph Terver Atu, Tsar alleged that the former Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation ran into political difficulties after allegedly exceeding his mandate by issuing appointments without authorisation.

He claimed that Atu’s subsequent demotion led to resentment, which later translated into criticism of the state administration.

Tsar also dismissed Barrister Emmanuel Jime’s political relevance, alleging that the former NEPZA managing director failed to build sufficient grassroots support despite several opportunities in public office.

He further claimed that Governor Alia had initially nominated Jime for a ministerial appointment, which was later blocked, adding that Jime also lost his senatorial ambition due to weak engagement with party members.

According to Tsar, Governor Alia’s political approach prioritises candidates with proven grassroots acceptance rather than those imposed from outside the state.

“The governor believes that candidates must earn the support of the people. He was not prepared to impose individuals who lacked strong connections with their constituencies because that could jeopardise the party’s chances during general elections,” he said.

On Senator Akume’s influence in Benue politics, Tsar argued that the SGF no longer wields the political weight he once had in the state.

He insisted that Governor Alia currently dominates the APC structure in Benue and remains the most influential political figure in the state.

“The Akume they are running to today is not contesting any election. He no longer possesses the political value he once had.

“The party structure is firmly under Governor Alia’s control, and those attacking him from Abuja should understand that political relevance is determined by the people at the grassroots, not by social media campaigns or press conferences,” Tsar said.

The remarks highlight growing political tensions and realignments within the Benue APC as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.